Scottsdale · Choosing a manager
Test them on the rules.
A good Scottsdale manager knows the City and County requirements without looking them up. Use these nine as your interview. Any manager, including us, should answer every one.
The checklist
Nine Scottsdale rules, and the question to ask.
Each item is taken from the City of Scottsdale, Maricopa County and Arizona Department of Revenue pages listed below.
| The rule | Ask the manager |
|---|---|
| 1. TPT license comes firstAn Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax license is needed before the City application. | Who files the TPT returns, including $0 returns, and how do I see them? I stay liable even if you file. |
| 2. City license, $250 a yearEvery property rented for less than 30 days inside the City, renewed annually. | When does my renewal fall, and who tracks it? |
| 3. Neighbor notice within 30 daysAdjacent homes and those directly and diagonally across the street, with the license number, address and a 24-hour contact. | Whose number goes on the notice, and who answers it at 2 a.m.? |
| 4. At least $500,000 liability coverHeld directly or through a lodging platform. | Which policy covers my home, and does the platform's cover apply to direct bookings? |
| 5. County registration before the first guestMaricopa County rental registration under A.R.S. § 33-1902. Out-of-state owners need an Arizona statutory agent. | Is my home registered, and who is the statutory agent if I live out of state? |
| 6. Posted notice inside the doors14-point or larger bold type, shielded, on the inside of the front door and the main backyard door, with life-safety locations and waste rules. | Can I see the notice you post? |
| 7. Pool barrier requirementsApply to homes with a pool, hot tub or spa. | Who checks the barrier, and how often? |
| 8. No event use, Ordinance 4719No weddings, corporate events, large parties or commercial gatherings. | How do you screen bookings, and what happens when a party is found? |
| 9. Your license status is publicAnyone can look it up on the City's Short-Term Rental Resource Center. | What does my listing say about me there today? |
What not to weigh too heavily
A low fee says nothing about these nine.
Headline fee percentages, regional occupancy claims and review counts from other cities tell you little about a Scottsdale home. The manager who answers the checklist clearly, for your address, is the one to keep talking to.
Casago's Scottsdale team manages about 120 homes across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills. Ask us the nine questions in your free evaluation.
Sources, checked October 27, 2026
- City of Scottsdale, Information for Owners and Operators
- City of Scottsdale, Vacation and Short-Term Rentals (Ordinance 4719, Resource Center)
- Maricopa County Assessor, Rental Registration
- Arizona Department of Revenue, Short-Term Lodging
Educational, not legal or tax advice. Confirm the rules for your address with the City and County.
Choosing a manager in Scottsdale
Can a manager file my TPT returns?
Yes. A manager can file and remit Transaction Privilege Tax for you, but under Arizona Department of Revenue guidance the owner remains ultimately liable, so ask to see the filings.
Do I need a City license for 30-night stays?
No. The City of Scottsdale license applies to rentals of less than 30 days. County registration and HOA rules still apply.
Should I choose on fee percentage?
It is the least informative comparison, because it says nothing about who handles the license, the neighbor notice, the pool barrier or the 2 a.m. call.
Scottsdale
Put the nine questions to us.
Your local Scottsdale team will answer every one for your address in the free evaluation. Prefer to talk? Call (480) 639-6552.
Casago Scottsdale, a DBA of Acme PHX Scottsdale AZ LLC · Judith D. Crane, Designated Broker · ADRE Broker License #BR625779000; Entity Lic #LC721288000.